The enhanced interrogator

Dr. James Mitchell’s perspectives on enhanced interrogation

Bibliographic Data

ID19445641
AuthorsMyles Balfe (0000-0001-6081-6317, University College Cork, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume37
Issue1
Pages75-93
Publication date2025-08-10
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHistory of Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0957-154X • E-ISSN: 1740-2360
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0957154x251358448
PMID40784013
OpenAlexW4413101805
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited12

This article examines the historical narratives of one of the key psychologists who helped to develop and carry out the Enhanced Interrogation programme. The Enhanced Interrogation programme ran from the early to the mid-2000s. It used aggression to facilitate the acquisition of information from suspected terrorists. The programme was unique in its use of mental health professionals to design, implement and monitor its activities. The psychologist’s historical accounts were thematically analysed. The article argues that death anxiety and death guilt may drive some health professionals to support Enhanced Interrogation type activities. It also argues that health professionals may be unable to control deviance and violations in situations where Enhanced Interrogation activities are occurring

Archaeology · Interrogation · Psychoanalysis · Global Peace and Security Dynamics · History · International Law and Human Rights · Psychology · Torture, Ethics, and Law

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